Arturia's new Keylab MK3 is here! Is it worth it?

[@esongsore]

Thanks for the excellent and detailed review. I think it's fair to say that midi keyboard controllers have reached their ceiling (minus things like the Osmose or seaboard). Over the past 5 years, I haven't seen anything that compelled me to upgrade. Of course, all the small incremental changes you demonstrated are of value...but nothing that radically transforms workflow.

[@jadennnnn]

I always know clicking on a Jef video is worth it, that’s for sure!

[@jefgibbons]

;)

[@johnsuggs7828]

He's a sure bet isn't he

[@whatmusiciwant]

I've literally never used a MIDI port, nor have I ever seen a MIDI cable in my life lol. 10+ years of making music, I don't know it's weird. The fact this works so natively in Cubase is AMAZING!

[@soundgrips]

I wish they (and other companies) would make a version of their keyboards with no pads and either more controls or a bigger screen.

[@fleetadmiralsidiqi1941]

Sounds like you want the current Native Instruments controller 😅

[@soundgrips]

​@@fleetadmiralsidiqi1941 I have the cheaper version already but I'm not a fan. If the keys are higher quality on the better versions that might be the best choice. I have a Maschine so the keyboard drum pads aren't very useful to me.

[@wkelly-hn4kb]

People cry out for the pads.

[@whatmusiciwant]

@@fleetadmiralsidiqi1941 No sliders on the NI or I would have got that instead.

[@KaitavSapreMusic]

Excellent video, Jef. Thank you so much. MK2 user here and baring a few improvements, I am disappointed with MK3. In fact, when the Essential MK3 was released some time back, I kinda got a picture of what to expect in MK3 and it is almost what I had imagined it to be. It makes the decision clear for me for the next upgrade - NI Kontrol 61 MK3! Although I wish the NI was a bit more affordable. I hope it will be worth it should I decide to go for it in the future! Logic Pro user here by the way.

[@dreG450]

Been waiting for this, but not including their new Full Touch keybed from the Polybrute 12 is a missed opportunity for their flagship controller. Pigments is just begging for this type of integration, IMO.

[@timweinheimer1]

Nice Review. I am Cubase user it is really a game changer.Thanks for doing a deep dive.I purchased this controller so much more acess to the software in DAW setting.Arturia gets better and better with contolers and Software intagration.

[@axoplanet6081]

@@timweinheimer1 You can do everything, what the keylab can in Cubase with midi remote function and every other control keyboard very easy

[@timweinheimer1]

@@axoplanet6081 yes you can but works great with AnalogLab

[@ohheyitskevinc]

Thanks! Fair review. I was hoping for something in between the current mkII and the Keystep Pro (or a Keystep Pro with big keys). Sadly they missed the mark with this one. I guess they didn’t want to cut into the Keystep Pro or Astrolab markets. This feels like a Keylab mk 1.5.

[@TheBiggerNoise]

I have used the CV outputs on my mk2, but not frequently. My CV stuff is almost all semi-modular, so just sending MIDI to the units is every bit as good. Probably not exactly the viewpoint you were hoping for, but thought I'd throw it out just in case. I've set up templates to control the knobs on Komplete Kontrol software which gives pretty good control over the NI stuff. I'll need to look at the MK3 manual to see if I can have multiple templates. That would probably suffice for my needs. Really like where you were headed with the Battery template. I do like that they added an arpeggiator, but the lack of poly AT is a real head scratcher.

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks for the comments! Yeah poly at would have been nice…

[@certifiedbeatz]

Great review. i will keep my keylab 61 mk2 😅😅

[@magicmulder]

The lack of large screens comparable to the NI KK is a dealbreaker for me, especially since they offer little else to make up for it. Currently happy with my Studiologic SL88 but if I ever upgrade, it's gonna be Komplete Kontrol.

[@PeterHill-jq4fr]

you make a great point about the 'light' versions of the software if you invest this much money on a controller your not going to be too interested in these so this doesn't add anything to the sales pitch! a voucher or points towards the add ons or full versions would be much better like you said. Also I dont care too much with this obsession with PADS I hardly know anyone who uses them? they spoil the look of the keyboard in my opinion, how about a larger screen? or even better add the sequencer from the keystep pro that would be so wicked

[@manuelmota3975]

Thank you for the review, I've always wanted to ask you, what monitor do you do you use?

[@ivanvelez7668]

Hello Jef, great video on the new arturia keylab mk3. I've gotta ask, what is the tool you are using to hold the new arturia keylab mk3 up in a slant? Would that tool work with a 49 key midi controller that i use such as Panorama P4?

[@LightShadow]

I have MK2 88 + most of Arturia's software and I find the knob and the layout to be less than stellar.

[@oupahens9219]

You do not need this one. Only for people who do not have any Arturia software.

[@8notes_]

Please What midi keyboard has the best keyboard and keybed feel and full aftertouch?

[@defrigge]

I use a Komplete Kontrol 88 Mk2, and get by with it. That said, it has too few controllers and much too limited Cubase integration. The NI Mk3 has even less controllers: totally useless as general purpose keyboard controller for live playing and studio use from my view. The actual Keylab 3 controller variety and flexibility, along with Cubase integration, is ten times more important to me than any screen size, and I would prefer the Arturia Keylab Mk 3 88, but only if it a) has a great weighted keybed and b) still doesn't weigh too much to carry it around.

[@zmmmzmmmz]

For the NI mk2, it the lack of knobs and faders or something else? Is just good with their automapping? I've seen a couple 88 pop up for around the price this 49 is new

[@teashea1]

well done video

[@jefgibbons]

Appreciate it!

[@homeboy740]

What really limits the workflow on the device is that the faders and knobs are not named. With small displays (like the MPC) all parameters can be accessed via the display.

[@sinewaymusic]

Augmented Strings and Piano V etc are the full versions though right? That's pretty good additional value that easily justifies the price difference between the Essential.

[@opticalman6417]

i have just got one should it come with a manual ? and does it need drivers to work as noting picking up in my daw reason

[@nickosparkol]

Thanks for the review. In your opinion, where are the keys better, specifically the keys themselves? On the Arturia mk3 88 Essentiall or on the new Arturia mk3 61? I'm only interested in the keybed.

[@Originalmusicbharris]

Does anyone know if it works good with Reaper DAW?

[@VentureNW]

Just watched Sanjay go over it. Its a bit Meh, in my opinion. Small screen and basic, control knob is also pretty tiny and meh, no poly aftertouch (they could have done their own 'full touch' which would have been amazing), to tied to their own ecosystem, and no lit keys, like the NI. Less inputs/outputs is also a minus, for a controller. Outside of the screen, I would recommend others looking at Keylabs, to go with the new Essentials or maybe the MK2. Only one left that we need to see drop and that would be the new Novation SL MKIV. As a Live user, I am starting to lean heavier on Push, at this point, and that hurts my keyboardist brain, but my guitar brain loves the idea. LOL

[@pierrebroccoli.9396]

Quite happy with my Essential Mk3 here. Midi Maps nicely with Reaper. Can also work well with NI Komplete Kontrol when that doesn't pull down the DAW (something to do with certain plugins and GUI scaling).... btw, thanks for the preview Jef.

[@Ryan.Rivera]

This is exactly the decision I’m trying to make now, I’m coming from no midi controller so fresh slate to make a choice. Mk2 or essentials mk3, kind of leaning away from this new key labs 3, so many people say they shouldn’t upgrade from the previous gen.

[@VentureNW]

@@Ryan.Rivera if it were me - I'd wait for the Novation SL MKIV, unless you are on a budget. Best bang features to price is probably this controller, right now - like way cheaper than the NI MK3. If budget is not a thing for you, I'd wait for the new SL or go NI. The Essentials is a good controller... but I lean PolyAT, way more than pads and faders. There is no perfect controller. Closest I have to that is a Push 3, as I use Live. I find myself playing keyboard controllers way less these days.

[@Ryan.Rivera]

@@VentureNW would you recommend the novation 61sl mkiii? I haven’t really looked into novation much. I don’t know if polyAT is something I will use or not, keys are not my primary instrument. I may want to do covers someday that involve volume swells or low pass filters that open up the harder you press, but I could just automate that? Maybe I would use it more if I had it, I don’t know. I think my budget is maxed out around $500. It would be my first midi controller and I would probably use it for playing virtual instruments/synths and possibly programming drums. Im not opposed to previous gen or used controllers, I really just want the most value for my dollar, and quality keys would also be nice

[@VentureNW]

@@Ryan.Rivera The Novation 61SL MKIII is a good controller - but its aging and I've heard there has not been a lot of updates recently, which leads me to believe a new one is coming soon - along with all the new controllers dropping since NI. Budget wise - if PolyAT is not a big deal - the new Essentials is a great controller - better than any NI A series. Gets you into the Arturia ecosystem with Analog Lab too. Has a better screen than the new Novation low end controllers and they don't have the ecosystem that Arturia does.

[@yodathejedi]

What the heck it's not even on Arturias facebook page? Screen looks a bit tiny (for being 2024) but like the pads and all controllers compared to NI, dont get why NI seems to refuse them. However just got the NI komplete mk3 and will keep it for many years. This keyboard looks a little bit like a generation old already. Nice video as always, thanks 🙂

[@tyreepenn-hasan6307]

If NI put pads on on the KK, there would be no need to own a maschine frfr.

[@zmmmzmmmz]

Their what page?

[@yodathejedi]

I would never get a separate mascine for that and its not even working with komplete mk3 ​@@tyreepenn-hasan6307

[@prodbyselase]

NI want you to buy Maschine AND their keyboards together. Same thing Apple does with not putting macOS on the iPad despite it using the same CPUs as Macs now

[@oupahens9219]

@@tyreepenn-hasan6307 Yep, clever guys at NI.

[@yazansaifi5895]

I am wondering if it works with maschine mk3

[@gt4032]

Yes

[@Anxxi3ty]

Question!! I’ve never used a midi keyboard with faders, 🎚️ if I use this In ableton live I know it can control 8 of your tracks, but can you bank left and right so you can control all of your track volumes if you have more then 8?

[@JayfkProductions876]

I Kno Arturia Plugins support Nks, curious does the Keyboard integrate well With NI stuff like Maybe Maschine?

[@phillipkovats]

Hey Jef! Nice review - I've been waiting for the MK3 :) ... question as I've got a desk set up similar to yours ... what are you using to lift up and tilt the MK3 in this video? Is it functional and steady for playing and finger drumming? Cheers!

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks Phil! It’s just a 1x1 strip of wood! Works perfectly ;)

[@phillipkovats]

@@jefgibbons Low tech and wonderful haha! perfect

[@zmmmzmmmz]

Will there be a 37 key? Would this work well with a standalone Machine+?

[@gumtree7177]

What’s better astrolab or this one. Depends if you want to tour or not Astrolab for tour and studio MK3 for studio but not gigs as much or how would you say put it ?

[@Chris.Brisson]

I own the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88. I wish I didn't. I'd sell it, but since much of the value is in the software, I wonder how the licenses would transfer to a new owner. Calls to mind the time my brother died, and I found his vast iTunes library ($$$) was not something which could be inherited.

[@Mikas_Emil]

I am pretty sure you can transfer licensei´if you ask Arturia

[@smartinussen]

It’s easy to transfer licenses by yourself on your page on the Arturia website.

[@SpotsYA]

Jef , would you like to sell your Arturia vocoder the white unit?

[@ManCalledMif]

My wallet thanks Arturia for this

[@MreenalMams]

Lol

[@DoitYHWH]

Hey just a heads up Jef, according Arturia website the Astrolab does have aftertouch.

[@jefgibbons]

Yeah, I did say that it has aftertouch, just not polyphonic aftertouch... the features mention polyphonic aftertouch but it seems to only be on the pads for now. Does that make sense? (I'll double check to make sure!)

[@DoitYHWH]

Oh okay that makes sense, I was referring to 4:53 maybe I wasn’t understanding you correctly just thought I’d let you know of a potential error, thanks Jef!

[@jefgibbons]

@@DoitYHWH I appreciate it! Yeah, I said "the astrolab doesn't have aftertouch but these ones do" referring to the new Keylab. Hopefully people don't get that confused!

[@chrisevans5082]

Random question Jeff, but what do you use to raise the back of the keyboard so it's slightly angled toward you?

[@jefgibbons]

Just a small strip of wood!

[@chrisevans5082]

@@jefgibbons oh really that simple? I wouldn't have thought that would be very stable. Or was that a solution just for the video?

[@MreenalMams]

​@jefgibbons i use small strip of wood too.. cheap and easy solution.. out of camera view..

[@johnhamers4571]

Jeff is a pleasant host to listen to. The Keylab MK3 with "no" Poly aftertouch is not what I expected due the Arturia CS-80 Poly aftertouch option. To me that's rather strange, maybe it would make the Keylab to expensive ? More people would like to know those facts I think ? Thank you Jeff for being a top host 🙏🏼✌🏼--> To mention that the NI Komplete Kontrol S MK3 has Poly aftertouch. To weird, but it's clear what I would choose and that's with Poly aftertouch. Sad that I can't go for the Keylab, due my Komplete Kontrol MK2 ownership.

[@johnsuggs7828]

If this comes out in the Arctic white...its a wrap

[@oupahens9219]

Astrolab has no aftertouch? Why not.

[@LukJarzyna]

What is Arturia smoking? It's a large downgrade from keylab mk2, fewer pads and controls, no fader preset banks.

[@xray2785]

Fewer pads, but larger, better pads

[@beegeorge1727]

You need more if you want to play chess on them yay....​@xray2785

[@axoplanet6081]

@@xray2785😂😂

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

Thanks for calling my attention to that. I'd need 16.

[@douglas519]

Tbh the 16 pads from arturia keylab pro MK2 was horrible compared to novation's and native instruments' (and probably akai too). So if you want an arturia controller, the pads is not something that will make you buy it, so 12 or 16 will not make that difference ... and 12 makes it a bit more compact, which can also be a good thing. If you need 16 quality pads, go for akai or native instruments. And if you want a good 64 pads, novation also has awesome pads.

[@serpentblade8704]

WHAT HAPPENED TO RELEASE OF 88KEY MKIII ? i hope they release 88key, i used to use the 88key mkII before it got burnt with rest of my laptop and printer. i want that 88key one as well

[@jefgibbons]

Yikes!! Yeah, I think they’ll have one coming, they were late on the 88 essential too…

[@eddiexx]

my experience ends up being, too much of a hassle. the compatibility with their synths is ok, and with the main program also, and transport play and pause. other than that you could be using and 15 year old Oxygen49 and you will get instant compatibility with practically anything! i think Arturia overreach making these units, economically, so they make them but without the intention of really maximizing their potential for US THE USERS. I like their look and i own a couple but... I cant say they are specially useful other than with their software, but that is REALLY nothing to write home about

[@jefgibbons]

I’d love to see a strip above each fader for text… would be much easier to go back and forth. As for the Oxygen, I had two of them fail on me a few years in… time will tell how these fare!!

[@eddiexx]

@@jefgibbons hehe, Oxygens they are really classics, and i mean the really old-school ones mk1 or two i dont remember, they work with anything and midi control everything without any hassle. with Keylabs you need to become a "programmer" just to make templates work because the compatibility straight out the box is very limited. their transport buttons are a nightmare to get to work with other machines/software outside of their poor offer on scripts. Very closed and very rigid, its their choice to make it like this. Yeah, a strip would be something, the question is why they haven't done it, its now mk3 and nothing, its not like they dont know. I like Arturia because fo their soft synths but these keyboards are such a letdown, to me at least and to judge from the people i know having them first attempting to make them work other than with Analog Lab.. Cheers

[@lousyracuse]

Keyboard controllers are a very personal thing. What strikes me odd here is that they didn’t release an 88-key version. Is Arturia planning something bigger for that version to complete with the Komplete series? I sold my KeyLab 88 MK2 last week and am looking at the Komplete 88 MK 3, Nothing here makes me want to wait and see what Arturia will do with they 88 key version. It all comes down to YOUR unique workflow. That’s why all these vendors turn out unique keyboard controllers! If you are looking for a controller, focus on what YOUR unique workflow is and evaluate the available options based on that. For me the larger screen on the Komplete is a plus, the lack of keypads does not matter to me as I don’t use them. YIt might not be the same for you. A guitar playing friend of mine once told me, “The best guitar for playing music is the one you are holding in your hands.” Find your instrument and make music with it; the rest is just details.

[@axoplanet6081]

What a bs upgrade. There is nothing on this thing that would makes me buy this. Even my Novation SL 3 is better and it is 4 years old 😆 Arturia made never good controllers, all knobs and faders sent ghost notes after a few weeks of use. But this just can be a joke.

[@xray2785]

Disagree, for users of Arturia’s V-Collection, this is easily the best choice

[@axoplanet6081]

@@xray2785If I would still use Arturias V Collection I would buy the NI MK3, way more functions. I had a Minilab 2, Keylab 2 & the Essential 2…all had issues with knobs and faders. Arturia controllers are crap. You ever used a Novation SL 3?

[@Mikas_Emil]

@@axoplanet6081same

[@johnsuggs7828]

Wow

[@Helios824]

​@@axoplanet6081 well don't Blame the Company because of the Design of the midi keyboard I'm not fan of Arturia I like their plugin are great more than their midi keyboard

[@pascalschwaller7573]

Thanks for the video! The screen looks sharp but it seems too small. If I‘d use that live on stage I‘m not sure it would help me??? And again, the wheels not where they belong. It‘s a pitty and a no-go for me.

[@jefgibbons]

Good point on the wheels, forgot to point that out!

[@jagdishlalwani]

Dom buy.. This kb has defectiv n cheap componants and not worth any moni... It also has lots o bugs wth its os wth mac new os... Bad compni. No support

[@jcatrillo]

It's very nice but it costs more than twice as much as the Essential and doesn't offer twice as many features.

[@Skijumptoes]

Kontrol Mk3 is much more suitable for my needs, I can't believe they haven't mapped controls across the rotaries or faders. The screen is a bit of waste really, other than a pretty icon which shows for Analog Lab only, it's just not a great solution to have if you're in front of a DAW. You'd also think as they have the sound previews for NKS that they'd use those same assets within Analog Lab for when you browse through presets.

[@jefgibbons]

I wish they did! Analog lab doesn’t have that functionality yet…

[@klstay]

Latest flaming bag on our doorstep from Arturia. What on earth were they thinking? Supposedly all that money and effort for the PB12 keybed and then not put it on here?!? For DAW based setups Kontrol S mk3 is already better and if NI gets KK running locally on it that will be the case for pretty much every situation.

[@mcnitt]

First Astrolab, now this. 👎 Arturia: This is your SIX YEAR vision for the MK3?? This is what loyal V Cillection users are supposed to use and be inspired by for the next six years. Yeah, bye. 👋

[@jefgibbons]

Real question, what did you want to see?

[@mcnitt]

@@jefgibbons Fair question. This series of controllers is made to control Arturia VSTs. Like most, after 6 years of user forum requests and feedback, I hoped to see: 1) Large screens with tight Arturia V Connection integration. 2) Scribble strip displays for each knob & slider that show what parameter is currently assigned and the current value BEFORE you reach for the control. Every time you change a patch you shouldn’t then have to touch 18+ nobs and sliders just to know (and subsequently remember) what each one controls. Especially while performing. 3) Bank buttons that cycle through banks of knob and slider values (old MKII has this), with scribble strips that update (as described in point 2). 4) Poly aftertouch 5) Ergonomic sliders and knobs on the LEFT side of the keyboard. (Like most, you likely play with your right hand while manipulating parameters with your left.) 6) 12 drum pads on the RIGHT side, if included at all. 7) MIDI 2.0 8) CV support (old MKII has this). This is (was) supposed to be Arturia’s flagship controller. I’d hope after SIX YEARS in development V Collection users would have been wow’d. What else is it missing? Maybe a touch strip or X/Y controller is too much to ask for. The real thing it’s missing - is Arturia listening to existing users and innovating.

[@oupahens9219]

@@mcnitt This thing is not for people who already have all the soft synths from Arturia.

[@mariomedina7077]

@@mcnitt That sounds PERFECT.

[@koothka]

The keylab Mk3 is so a downgrade.

[@jefgibbons]

Referring to CV etc?

[@xray2785]

Mixed I think, the new screen and the info you get on it is a major improvement over the Mk 2. Plus those touch sensitive knobs and faders allow you to check what a fader/knob is assigned to, without having to alter the value

[@lionbird7176]

12 vs 16 huh? Biggest turn off right away. How many drums vsts and racks use 12 versus 16 pad setups? WTF.

[@InspelaRecords]

Quite simply, this is a downgrade. Going from 16 to 12 pads is just stupid - even if they are bigger - and the same for the CV stuff and dedicated buttons they’ve removed too. What are they thinking!? 🤔

[@youtubevideos415]

Wow, seems like a horde of clowns have taken over product management at popular audio companies. Just like Native Instruments, Arturia is putting out a midi controller that is worse than it's predecessor. Less pads, less buttons less outputs. Crazy, what are those people thinking?